Official 2011 Princess Half Thread Part II!!!

[stitchfan18]

My weekend was super quick, but so much fun! I did the 5k on Saturday with my mom, and had so much fun! I spent the rest of the day at TL laying on a lounge chair enjoying the nice warm weather to rest up for the 1/2. Getting up at 3 yesterday morning was so much easier than I anticipated. I was so excited for the race that I never got nervous. I think it helped that I was there to really have a good time and enjoy the experience. I finished in 2:38, which was almost 20 minutes slower than my normal pace. I stopped for all but 2 character pictures during the race. Mickey and Minnie by the castle, and Beauty and the Beast were just way too long for me to wait in. The characters were great! My favorite character moment was when I stopped for all the princes, and someone ran by dressed as Ariel. The girl was yelling and waving at the princes. Aladdin yelled 'looking good Ariel' to the girl, and Eric was quick to respond with 'I'm going to tell Jasmine.' Aladdin's response... 'Shut up Eric' I think it was still early for them, and I'd hope they wouldn't act like that around little kids, but I was laughing so hard after that. It was totally priceless.
I'm completely exhausted today. I've had about 4 hours of sleep since yesterday morning due to flight delays last night. I'm already counting down until next year though, I can't wait!

 

[Trudes]

Hello Disney Princesses,

Congratulations on your run, run/walk.

Just got home a couple hours ago. I had a GREAT time. This was my 1st trip to Disney. It was my second 1/2 marathon, with my 1st being just 4 months ago.

I was happy with my time, 2:21:24. The zig-zagging around runners did add a little mileage (13.26 miles)

Now, I am asking myself, where do I go from here.

 

[Danhockey04]

I just got home a few hours ago and I'm still pumped from the race! I stopped for a TON of pictures (I think it took me almost 30 mins to get through the Magic Kingdom ) and I still managed to keep my goal of under 3 hours! 2:52:54 . I got to mile 8 I believe and realized I'd have to hoof it to make a sub 3 time and after looking back at my pics I noticed my first 5k of the race was almost 10 minutes slower than my last 5k (miles 10-13.1). Negative splits anyone?

Someone was asking for a medal close-up:

(It's on top of my cat, who missed me apparently)

My favorite race picture:

Will do a trip report hopefully in the next week (once I get caught up on everything). I had a blast running with everyone!

Cool, looking forward to your TR, I didn't get any pics, no camera and phone was too hard to get out of my pocket and I had music playing on it. I got two pics with the princess after the race. Glad to see you finished without any major issues, had a good time talking with you before the race. I ran much faster than my training time, got 2:00:37. I liked your costume, looked great in person.

Glad to see everyone here had a great time, even if in pain. I am debating whether to do it again next year, but if I do, I'm going to be Alice in the classic blue costume.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Unless a medal has some sort of special meaning to me (first marathon, first Goofy, etc.), I wouldn't have a problem selling it. I'd rather have it go to someone who wants an extra medal to make a shadow box or something like that than hanging off my closet rod with the rest of them. Of course, giving old medals away to Medals for Mettle is also a good way to reduce clutter and do some good for others.

I would definitely rather give them away to that charity than sell them. I think that it would be a lot more meaningful to know that someone else was getting that medal and would have that same great feeling that I got from earning it. Granted, I will never have a huge supply of medals that will overtake my house. I like races, but there are only so many Disney races!

 

[faith-hope-joy]

I forgot to mention that I saw a couple of ladies from the boards cheering everyone on from the sideline. Must have been around mile 9. I almost stopped to say hi, but I haven't been posting for very long so I figured that they'd think I was nuts. Anyways, it was nice to see someone from here along the way. Thanks for coming out to cheer for everyone.

 

[Swmr359]

I finished my slower than I expected, but at least I finished! The heat really got to me, it's been so long since I've run in those temps. I think around mile 10, I started feeling a little light headed so I thought maybe I should try some poweraid...ick! I was only able to get a sip, but it must have helped. I was able to sprint the last .1 mile with a smile on my face!

 

[Jeannekay]

I would definitely rather give them away to that charity than sell them. I think that it would be a lot more meaningful to know that someone else was getting that medal and would have that same great feeling that I got from earning it. Granted, I will never have a huge supply of medals that will overtake my house. I like races, but there are only so many Disney races!

I saw a man at an Expo once, collecting medals for sick children that had cancer or something. It's a wonderful idea!


I finished 2:42. It was a fun race. I loved seeing all of the people dressed up, that big ship, Castle and the hot air balloon best. The cheerleader people were an enormous help to keep me going!!!

It did get a little warm for me too. I stopped at the medic tent and got a bag of ice. I put it on my neck (carotid artery), forehead and the top of my head to cool down. It helped a lot, but.... raising my arms up for a mile, put a new strain on my body I wasn't used to.

I used Biofreeze three times on my knees. I think it helped because I did five minutes better than the Detroit Half marathon.

My feet feel great! I used Asics Gel Kayano's 17 and thick wick away socks with my arch support from my doctor. I used Glide all around and in between my toes with baby powder on top of that. NO BLISTERS to report.
It was like running in slippers!

My legs are super sore. I did tour Disney World Thursday, Friday and for two hours on Saturday. I would not suggest anyone to do that!!

I am so happy to have my medal!!! Dreams really do come true!!

 

[Keke]

Congrats Princesses!! It was so much fun. I can't believe I actually did it and ran most of it! My goal was to finish with my secondary goal of finishing in 2:45. I finished in 3:00:22. Seriously, if I had just ran 3 more strides I would have come in under 3. BUT it took me 10 minutes to use the potty at mile 3. Plus I stopped to stretch once and talk w/my cheerleaders on the side. So I like to think if it had not been for that, I could shave at least 10 minutes off of that.

I'd love to know how far I really ran, considering all the bobbing and weaving I did to get around people. There were many times I just couldn't run b/c I could not get around people. And other times I just couldn't keep maintain the pace I wanted b/c everyone was slower. I am hoping if I continue training I can get an earlier corral next year. That might help with the overall pace of those around me.

My main issue was around mile 10 my legs and feet were HURTING. I need to figure out how to solve that issue. I walked more the last few miles then I wanted to. I only trained to 10 miles, but I think I will definitely go more than that for next year.

Congrats to everyone!!

 

[KristinU]

Congratulations Princesses!!!

What a great race! So well coordinated. I'm thrilled with my time, especially since my first run down there was really slow since I wasn't used to the warmth and humidity. I'm really glad I had the week prior to acclimate! I got a PR and beat my best time by 3 seconds per mile and just squeaked in right under 2 hours (1:59:46...when I say squeaked, I mean squeaked!)

To those asking "now what?" - I'm no expert, since this was my 4th half and I started running just a couple of years ago, but what works well for me is to keep a nice base mileage of about 25 miles a week (5 mile runs, 5 days of the week). If you like the half distance (I do!) and your schedule will allow for getting out several times a week, it is really a decent base to allow you to ramp up for a half fairly easily without starting back at square 1. And it is just nice all-around to feel strong and active on a consistent basis! And signing up for another race is definitely a motivation! With the brutal winter we've had this year, I'm positive I would not have gotten out as much as I did because of the Princess Half.

 

[kappyfamily]

I know there were reports of people walking like five wide last year so no one could pass them. Was it any better this year?

Also, i'm only up to 3.5 miles right now and wonder if it's possible to run 13.1 without using the potty? How do u still stay hydrated and not have to use it? Sorry random question, but I would hate to have to stop for 10-20 minutes waiting in line for one.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I know there were reports of people walking like five wide last year so no one could pass them. Was it any better this year?

Also, i'm only up to 3.5 miles right now and wonder if it's possible to run 13.1 without using the potty? How do u still stay hydrated and not have to use it? Sorry random question, but I would hate to have to stop for 10-20 minutes waiting in line for one.

I've run three half marathons and never had to use the bathroom. I think it's just a matter of using the restroom as close to start time as possible, and then not over hydrating. There's no reason that you should have to go to the porta potty if you're properly hydrated.

 

[Jeannekay]

I've run three half marathons and never had to use the bathroom. I think it's just a matter of using the restroom as close to start time as possible, and then not over hydrating. There's no reason that you should have to go to the porta potty if you're properly hydrated.

I used the porta potty by the bag check in. I couldn't believe how far you have to walk to get the the corrals!! It felt like a mile. Then, I saw other porta potties there, but I didn't have to go.

I didn't have to use the porta potties along the way. I had a water bottle belt and only took small sips along the whole way. My bottles were almost empty by the end of the race.

The day before, I drank quite a bit of water and ate responsibly. I think it's a science and you really have to know your body.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I used the porta potty by the bag check in. I couldn't believe how far you have to walk to get the the corrals!! It felt like a mile. Then, I saw other porta potties there, but I didn't have to go.

I didn't have to use the porta potties along the way. I had a water bottle belt and only took small sips along the whole way. My bottles were almost empty by the end of the race.

The day before, I drank quite a bit of water and ate responsibly. I think it's a science and you really have to know your body.

I definitely agree with know your body. I also agree with the age old saying of "even if you don't have to go, try". Don't just walk by a porta potty next to your corral.

 

[Keke]

My need to use the restroom really changed after having a kid. I had to run in a poise pad b/c I leak when I run fast. All I had to drink all morning was about 4 ounces of water. I used the port-a-potty right at the corral, but then I had an hour after that before the race started. By mile 2, I was hurting from having to go again! I tried to just go in my pants, since I had the pad on. But I could not make it happen, as much as I tried. I was so mad I wasted 10 minutes on the potty. That has never happened to me on a long run till this one.

Next time I am not going to drink anything before the race and just grab the first water station I find. I really felt like the water/power-ade stations were quite plentiful.

 

[saysay]

I know there were reports of people walking like five wide last year so no one could pass them. Was it any better this year?

Also, i'm only up to 3.5 miles right now and wonder if it's possible to run 13.1 without using the potty? How do u still stay hydrated and not have to use it? Sorry random question, but I would hate to have to stop for 10-20 minutes waiting in line for one.

I think the most i saw was 3 wide, so it wasn't bad. Then again, I was going slow since coming off an injury. I was doing Galloway and just stayed to one side for the most part...i got passed alot. It was alot of people and there were parts of the race where it was narrow, so that did not help and at times 3 across was a little wide. I found most people were courteous.

I think needing to stop can also be a factor of your pace, I mean IF I were faster and could be done in close to 2 hours or slightly over, I could easily not have to go. I typically don't stop alot when I run. I sweat like crazy so thinking that is how I get rid of the extra water. With this race, I only stopped once in Tomorrow land to use the ladies room which was nice to be able to splash water on my face and be in a real bathroom, not stinky porta potty. I only waited behind 2 people, so it was quick. I went as a just in case - not dying to go, and I am glad I did since some of the porta potties on the course were beyond a dip and with my foot that would have been not easy to get to quickly.

I did drink water at every stop because I thought it was hot and humid and I am not used to that weather right now. I had one training run where I was dehydrated so I didn't want to get sick later, so didn't take any chances and drank to insure that didn't happen. On my long training runs, I got up to 10 miles 2 times and one of them I had to stop, the other I didn't...then again it wasn't as hot and humid and I didn't drink near the water I drank at the race.
I followed Jeff Galloway's tips on Nutrition and Hydration when I was training and tweaked for what I felt I needed.

There were lots of bathrooms by the Corrals and the ones up by A and B were no lines, unlike the ones in the back very long lines. I didn't nec have to go at the start, but since no line, took advantage!

As you got further into the race, there really weren't lines at the Porta Potties from what I saw. I did also see some people going um in the bushes, guess they didn't want to wait for a potty.

 

[s_atl]

I used the potty before leaving the hotel(2:45am) and when I got to the start area (it was only 3:30 am and there was no line and I was probably the first person to use my particular potty .. lol)
After the first stop that I skipped, I drank powerade and water at every water stop. More of powerade and some little water to wash out the taste from my mouth.

I didn't need to go once during the race.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

i used the porta potties three times before the race started and i STILL had to go at the start! i think that was nerves though. i did NOT stop to use the porta potties during the race. i just wanted to finish! i also found that the need to pee feeling went away once i started.

ever since i had a kid i find that i need to pee alot too and i definitely should have run with a pad on or something because i definitely had some leakage!

i don't know if i can keep up a base of 25 miles a week. once it's nicer out i'll be able to run more with the jogger but now that i don't have a race to train for it may be harder to get people to watch him for me. plus it was getting expensive paying $10 every time i ran! still, i'd really love to do the WDW full marathon so i better keep up the running...just like, not right now since i'm so sore!

 

[tmanaster]

All in all a FANTASTIC race! Only problem was felt sick with a bad cough leading up to the race. Continued through the weekend, and just got back from the Doctor. Bronchitis and Pneumonia! No wonder I felt so bad! On meds now so hopefully feeling back to normal soon.

It was my daughter's first half marathon and was a perfect first! While our time wasn't great (3 hours 6 minutes), we have over 30 pictures with characters and such on the course. We can do Columbus for time, where alse are we gonna get pics with Jack Sparrow and crew along the way! Already planning on next year! Would love to make this a tradition...

 

[Mama_Dis]

Hey fellow Cincy WISHer! Yuck on being so sick, WTG on finishing though!

 

[tinkeramy]

That was SO MUCH FUN! Had an absolute blast and finished in 2:42 - just under my goal time. Miles 10-13 were tough, and I really had to just keep looking to the next bit of entertainment to distract me through it. But I knew that if I had gotten that far, there was no way that I wasn't finishing. LOVED the gospel choir as you are coming into Epcot!!!

Only drawback - did anyone else notice a surprising lack of princesses at the PRINCESS half-marathon??? I thought they would be out in full force, but I only saw Tiana and Belle. LOVED the "dead" ladies from the Haunted Mansion!

Dehydration was NOT an issue for me - I swear I peed half my weight out and continued to do so the rest of the day!!! I could probably have shaved about 10-15 minutes off my time if I could have just held it in!!!

All in all, it was so awesome to hear all the encouragement given by both spectators and fellow runners. This was my first half and, while I see myself sticking more to 10Ks, I would do this again in a heartbeat!